We all have the same feeling when we begin to hear that familiar honking overhead, only to look up and see geese flying south in their famous ‘V.’ We dread the beginning of winter. It seems all too often that we skip fall and brace for a bitter, snow-filled winter. Though Calgary has some very short shoulder seasons, and we can often go jogging in shorts and a t-shirt the same day that we scraped frost off our car in the morning, we shouldn’t forget about fall too quickly.

Alberta has some incredible scenery during the fall. Ashes and aspens turn a vibrant gold, contrasting with our numerous conifers that hold their deep green all year long. Though we have our larches, that attract thousands, they tend to mimic our short fall season and only hold their brilliance for a moment. In more southern climates, the interim season of fall tends to last longer and show more colours. On a recent trip to our nation’s capital, I was enthralled in nature and simply awestruck by the beauty that belongs to autumn.

From Gatineau, Quebec, Ottawa looked beautiful under the stars. Photo by Brendan Troy.

Ontario is such a large province that it has many climates and forest types. Ottawa is located close to the transition zone of the Carolinian forest region and the Great Lakes-St.Lawrence forest region. Here, many types of deciduous trees thrive, yet there is still a strong hold of thousands of coniferous giants. With this fantastic melting pot of tree species, the Ottawa region is a gem during the fall and attracts thousands every year.

Maple leaves are a favourite during the Ontario fall, as some turn a fiery red. Photo by Brendan Troy.

Visiting many parks and green areas, fall was in full bloom. Tall maples coloured the scenery crimson red, while birches added a light gold to the palate. Behind these, beech trees held their bright green and white pines towered above with their long needles keeping their regular dark green tinge. The forests were just waiting to be painted, photographed and gawked at. I visited Mud Lake, west of parliament hill and just south of the mighty Ottawa River. Surrounded by an established mixed forest, Mud Lake is home to an incredible array of wildlife. Snapping and Painted turtles scour the weedy lake for food, while Green Herons break the surface to snap up what swims beneath. Birds were everywhere, squirrels and chipmunks were so plentiful you were almost stepping on them, but the colours; the colours were breath-taking.

After devouring 5 minnows in less than 40 minutes, this Green Heron had to adjust it’s stomach. Photo by Brendan Troy.

To stand beneath a giant Red Oak tree in an Ontario fall is amazingly calming. The cool autumn breeze ruffles the leaves still hanging to life, Eastern Gray Squirrels leap from limb to limb on a frantic search for food to cache, and Eastern Ribbon Snakes slither along the forest floor, looking for some extra nutrients to aid in a successful hibernation. Though we tend to think that everything slows down in fall and becomes quite lethargic during the winter, the forest was bounding with life.

The most curious snake I have yet to come across, this ribbon snake wanted in my lap! Photo by Brendan Troy.

I came across this mature American Mink, while it patrolled the lake shore. He dipped into the water when he noticed me, but popped up onto some mossy logs for his photo op. I witnessed 3 species of heron within less than 500 metres of marshland, each showing off their incredible hunting skills. I also happened upon the most curious Ribbon Snake I have yet to see. The little snake weaved its way towards my camera lens and eventually got so close that I couldn’t focus on it. I watched a Gray Squirrel climb high into an old maple tree and begin to build a temporary nest with small maple boughs. I came across an aging Snapping Turtle as it methodically bobbed along the surface. It’s head and shell covered in algae, this old guy needed a wash. Warblers buzzed in the warm morning light as they grabbed anything edible to aid in their trip south. There was no hint of slowing down, but quite the contrary, it seemed the forest and all it’s inhabitants were speeding up.

Surprised by my presence, this mink popped into the water and then onto these logs to model for the camera. Photo by Brendan Troy.

With some great photographs stored on my camera, I leaned back and relaxed on the lake shore. I loved all the smells and sounds, but couldn’t get over how inspiring the scenery looked. With so much life and action all around, the trees were still able to steal my attention and hold it captive. Even with a lack of mountains towering in the distance, the forests were absolutely stunning. A ‘mosh-posh’ of colours, similar to a painter’s palette, were everywhere. I definitely love my mountains just as much as the next guy does, especially with that first frosting of snow on the higher elevations, but this was just beautiful.

Though so many hail the canal and our impressive parliament buildings, perched high above the iconic Ottawa River, as the magnificence of Ottawa and possibly Ontario, I was simply amazed by a season. Fall transforms Ottawa as it lies quite south in our country. I was mesmerized and it’s certain that I’ll be back. From west to east and north to south, every corner of this country is magnificent, especially when draped in the warm tones of fall.

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